Coastal Fertility Specialists

I am writing this review to formally document my experience as a patient at Coastal Fertility Specialists (Nexton), particularly regarding refusals of care that I believe were not medically justified and were inconsistent with current, evidence-based restorative reproductive medicine. My expectations for care are informed by Natural Procreative Technology (NaProTechnology)- a science-based, physician-guided approach to fertility that emphasizes identifying and treating underlying causes through detailed cycle monitoring, hormone evaluation, and targeted bioidentical hormone support. While no NaPro-certified providers are available locally, the medical standards themselves are peer-reviewed and well established. From my first appointment, I encountered resistance to individualized evaluation. The clinic declined to review five years of historical lab work from periods when I was neither postpartum nor breastfeeding, despite this being standard in restorative fertility care to establish baseline hormone function and diagnose luteal phase defects. Concerns I raised about painful periods dating back to adolescence were dismissed and not investigated further. My current NaPro-aligned physician has since scheduled me for evaluation for possible endometriosis, a condition well known to affect progesterone production, implantation, and fertility outcomes. Coastal Fertility declined to pursue or consider this avenue of investigation. The clinic evaluated serum iron but did not assess ferritin, which is the appropriate marker for iron storage and is clinically relevant in fertility, implantation, and menstrual health. This omission is notable, as ferritin deficiency can exist even when iron levels appear normal. My subclinical PCOS and subclinical hypothyroidism were not evaluated in a comprehensive endocrine context, and I was told that the cause of my progesterone deficiency could not be determined. This contrasts with restorative reproductive medicine, which emphasizes identifying and treating luteal phase dysfunction rather than dismissing it as unexplained. I also experienced refusal of ongoing progesterone monitoring, despite progesterone being a cornerstone hormone for implantation and early pregnancy support. While taking 600 mg vaginal progesterone, my Peak+3/4 level measured only 7.9 ng/mL, well below the commonly accepted minimum threshold (~10 ng/mL) associated with implantation success and early pregnancy support. This strongly suggests an absorption issue, which was not addressed. I was strongly encouraged to stop breastfeeding in order to continue care and later informed that it was allegedly office policy to deny fertility treatment to patients who are breastfeeding and less than one year postpartum. This policy was not disclosed at my initial visit and is inconsistent with current evidence. Fertility can resume within months postpartum, and in my case, my cycles consistently return at 6 weeks postpartum, indicating early endocrine recovery. Restorative fertility approaches, including NaProTechnology, support evaluation and treatment once cycles normalize- including in breastfeeding women. Concerns were also raised about prescribing bioidentical progesterone during breastfeeding, even at therapeutic doses. However, evidence shows bioidentical progesterone has minimal transfer into breast milk and no demonstrated harm to infants or milk supply. It is routinely used postpartum in restorative fertility care. This review is written to document that patients with hormone deficiencies, painful cycles, recurrent loss, or postpartum fertility concerns may encounter rigid protocols rather than individualized, evidence-based care. Patients deserve thorough evaluation, appropriate laboratory testing, and treatment plans that reflect current reproductive science- not blanket policies or partial application of studies. I hope this feedback encourages greater transparency and a more comprehensive approach for future patients.

First I want to say, we are expecting our first baby in May 2026 and we have Coastal Fertility Specialists to thank for that. Thank you for making our dreams come true!♡ We only saw the Summerville office once, and that was the visit to confirm our pregnancy on ultrasound. We got to see baby's heartbeat and see our tiny little bundle of love just hanging out for the first time. It was so special. All the ladies we interacted with at the Summerville office that day were kind and helpful! Special thank you to Dr. Peterson for reassuring me everything looked great and being such an amazing resource for allll of my questions. We are so so happy with our experience at CFS and we will definitely be back if we need assistance growing our family in the future. Thank you again, CFS! ♡

Dr. Riestenberg and Lauren were absolutely fantastic!!! Everyone in the building was amazing!! We are so thankful for Coastal!

After struggling with secondary infertility for a while, I decided to reach out to Coastal. Dr. Reistenberg and our nurse, Lauren were amazing. After our first round of IVF resulted in zero viable embryos, Dr. R changed up my protocol and the second round was a complete 180. We ended up with 5 blastocysts compared to zero the first time. Dr. Reistenberg is super compassionate and gives you advice as if you were her friend or sister. Lauren was always there for any questions I had, a listening ear, and always prompt to return emails. I went through 2 egg retrievals in the Mt. Pleasant office and both times, the staff seemed a bit robotic (but I work in surgery so I understand it). No big deal. I am currently 14 weeks pregnant with our rainbow baby. I cannot thank Coastal Fertility Specialists enough for helping us complete our little family. From the bottom of my heart, I am forever grateful. Y’all are the best!!!

Coastal fertility gave me my two beautiful boys… Shelton (3), and Theodore (1), and gave me my little girl that I am currently carrying. Due in November. Dr. McLaughlin is phenomenal. So sweet, and present during appointments and conversations. And Alex always keeping me updated and in the know. The entire office from front, to back… ultrasounds, labs. You name it, everyone always smiling and so kind. I cannot for the life of me remember her name but there is a specific staff member that did my ultrasound and lab work at the nexton location almost everytime. She was always so so gentle, and so soft spoken. Always made me feel seen. That meant a lot, especially when they are seeing the same things over and over. I appreciate you all more than you’ll ever know for blessing me with my perfect family. We can’t wait to come see you as a family of 5.